While fossil hydrocarbons follow a linear industrial trajectory, from the ground (as oil) to the atmosphere (as CO2) through refineries and users, the trajectory of biologically produced hydrocarbons is a cycle. CO2 is captured by plants, these are converted by fermentation into fuels or materials, which are then consumed by users thereby releasing CO2 which can be once more captured by plants to restart the cycle.
Schematic representation of the linear path of the fossil carbon, and the cycle observed in the case of biofuels
If this cycle was perfect, the greenhouse gas savings would be 100%. In fact , the cycle is imperfect (need for fuel for tractors, fertilizers, etc.), and the economies of greenhouse gas achieved relative to the use of oil are between 50 and 80 % depending on the plant and the process used.
The isobutene derivatives developed by Global Bioenergies bring environmental benefits of a different nature in their main domains of application that are cosmetics and fuels.
Consumers are increasingly concerned and even worried by the ingredients used in the formulation of cosmetic products. The toxicity profile, the environmental impact and the naturality of ingredients are now scrutinized by consumers. In line with these expectations and according to the initial studies we performed, the emollients derived from the renewable isobutene produced using to our process would have:
In addition to the environmental benefit, these attributes confer a strong commercial advantage to these products.
Oil consumption for fuels has a significant impact on the environment: the use of each kilogram of oil results in the emission of about 3.1kg of CO2 to the atmosphere. The gradual increase of CO2 in the atmosphere has been linked to Climate Change and ocean acidification. Developed countries have mobilized to promote the development of alternative solutions, such as plastic recycling systems or the development of biofuels.
As part of the IBN-One first plant project, a first site specific study has been performed and concluded that a 69% reduction in CO2 emissions would be achieved compared to fossil gasoline. These results shall be confirmed by an audit once the plant is up and running.
The household and industrial waste could also be used: Global Bioenergies established in 2011 a partnership with the American company Lanzatech, which develops gas fermentation processes from household or industrial waste. The production of isobutene from these raw materials will help to avoid the use of valuable resources otherwise.
The XXI century will gradually move agriculture for energy purposes alongside the current agriculture in food distribution. Industrial biology thus represents a major development opportunity for the many countries where the agricultural potential is important. These include France and the United States, or certain countries of tropical Africa, where the introduction of this new agriculture could be a significant development vector.
Industrial wastes could also be used. Global Bioenergies develops a variant of its technology for the valorization into isobutene and derived products of gaseous industrial effluents. Syngip, a Dutch startup specialized in this approach was acquired in 2017 for this purpose.
